Law firm Reed Smith is eyeing further expansion in Singapore and the wider Asian region after losing two partners to rival Squire Patton Boggs.
Reed Smith revealed its ambitions after Washington DC-headquartered Squire Patton Boggs said it is launching a global commodities and shipping group with new recruits Barry Stimpson and Jessica Kenworthy as partners in Singapore.
A Reed Smith spokesperson said: “We thank Barry and Jessica for their contributions to the firm and we wish them well for the future.
“Since opening its office in Singapore at the end of 2012, Reed Smith’s presence in the market has grown rapidly and the firm has plans for more growth in Singapore and Asia."
The Reed Smith office comprises 35 lawyers and 20 staff including Peter Zaman, Kohe Hasan, Dan Perera, Richard Lovell, Charmian Aw, Calvin Chan and Hagan Rourke, each of whom is leading in their specialist fields, the firm added.
It also includes a formal law alliance with Resource Law, providing Singapore law advice to institutional clients.
"The firm enjoys a market leading practice in shipping and transportation," it said.
Reed Smith is continuing to invest in enhancing its capabilities for clients and has added partners such as Nick Austin in London, Mark West and Peter Glover in Hong Kong, and Dora Wang in Shanghai, it added.
Squire Patton Boggs said on Tuesday: “Barry and Jessica are leaders in their field with sophisticated global practices and we are very excited to have them join us.”
